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Attendance

Did you know that school attendance is the leading indicator of your child’s lifelong success?

Why Attendance Matters

Academic Achievement


 

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.

Social and Emotional Development


 

School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.

Future Success


 

Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.

Every day counts! At Strawberry Point School we care that every student shows up to school, all day every day.  Strawberry Point School is committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. By prioritizing attendance, we can create a brighter future for all our students. 

Please call the office by 9:30 am if your child is absent.  Call 415-389-7660 select option 2 and leave a message.
If you do not call, the office will call you to inquire about your child. If your child is enrolled in EDS, they should also be notified. Do not leave a message on the teacher's voicemail or email as they may not receive it in a timely fashion. We ask families to limit trips as much as possible during the school year and not to take children out of school for reasons other than illness or emergencies.

School begins at 8:15 am.
The school yard opens at 7:45 am.   From 7:45-8:15 am there will be supervision in the school yard.   At 8:10 am, the first bell rings and children can enter their classrooms.   At 8:15 am, the second bell rings and school begins.

Arriving late
If your child needs to arrive late or leave early, please let the school office and the teacher know. If you arrive after school has started at 8:15 am, you need to sign your child in at the school office and they will need a tardy slip to take to their teacher.

Leaving early
If your child must leave school at times other than regular dismissal, please send a note to the teacher and the front office explaining the reason, the time, and who will pick them up. Children must be signed out at the school office when leaving before the end of the school day.  Please go to the school office to collect your child. 

Arrival
Students should arrive at school no earlier than 7:45 am.  Students should go directly to the playground except on rainy days when they should go to their designated sheltered spot.

Closed Campus
Students may not leave the campus from the time they arrive until after school is dismissed. If your child must leave school at times other than regular dismissal, please send a note to the school office explaining the reason, the time and who will pick him or her up. Children must be signed out at the office when leaving before the end of their school day.

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

Kimberley Russell

Principal
(415) 389-7660

krussell@mvschools.org

District Attendance Policy

  • Please call the office by 9:30 am if your child is absent.  Call 415-389-7660 select option 2 and leave a message.

    If you do not call, the office will call you to inquire about your child. If your child is enrolled in EDS, they should also be notified. Do not leave a message on the teacher's voicemail or email as they may not receive it in a timely fashion. We ask families to limit trips as much as possible during the school year and not to take children out of school for reasons other than illness or emergencies.

  • All absences are considered unexcused, until the school receives a note or email documenting a valid reason for the absence.  If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If the note isn’t received within three days, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within 7 days, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age.

  • Mill Valley School District recognizes that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. 

    A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

    • Illness
    • Family emergency
    • Death of a family member
    • Medical or dental appointment
    • Pre-approved educational travel
    • Pre-approved religious instruction
    • Bona Fide religious holiday
    • Court hearing
    • Dismissed from school by a school nurse or administrator
    • Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner
    • Parent deployed for or on leave from combat posting
    • “Rare and extraordinary circumstances” approved by the Superintendent 
  • Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. Mill Valley School District is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success! 

  • Review the state’s attendance policy

    The Board requires that school-aged pupils enrolled in District schools attend school regularly in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by Mill Valley School District is predicated upon the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. 
     

How We Can Help

We are here to help you. Let’s be partners in this journey.
 

We understand that there are many reasons why your student might miss school. Our goal is to set you and your family up for success. If there are ways Mill Valley School District can help you, please reach out to the school office or Kimberley Russell.

Attendance Tips

Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can. 

 

Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home.  If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator. 

Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning.  If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal. 

 

Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours.  Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.